Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “When one of you makes a good profession of Islam, every good deed he does will be recorded for him ten to seven hundredfold, and every evil deed he does will be recorded as it is till he meets God.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
The Excellence of Sincere Faith
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, recorded in Mishkat al-Masabih 44, illuminates the profound connection between sincere faith (iman) and divine recompense. The phrase "makes a good profession of Islam" refers to one who embraces Islam with complete conviction, free from hypocrisy, performing acts of worship with sincerity (ikhlas) for Allah's countenance alone.
The Multiplication of Good Deeds
The recording of good deeds "ten to seven hundredfold" demonstrates Allah's boundless generosity. Scholars explain this variation depends on: the sincerity of intention, the difficulty of the act, the time and circumstance of performance, and its benefit to creation. Some righteous deeds, like jihad or seeking knowledge, may reach the highest multiplication.
This multiplication begins immediately upon sincere acceptance of Islam and continues throughout life. The scholars emphasize that this divine promise applies to all acts of obedience - obligatory and recommended - when performed with proper intention and according to prophetic guidance.
The Recording of Evil Deeds
"Every evil deed he does will be recorded as it is" shows divine justice without diminishment. However, the fuqaha' clarify that this applies to completed sins. Many factors can prevent recording: sincere repentance (tawbah), overwhelming good deeds that erase bad ones, or hardships that expiate sins. The recording of a single evil deed reflects Allah's perfect justice, while the multiplication of good deeds reflects His extraordinary mercy.
Spiritual Implications
This hadith encourages believers to perfect their faith and increase in good works, trusting in divine generosity. It also warns against complacency regarding minor sins, as they are recorded precisely. The ultimate reckoning occurs "till he meets God" - emphasizing the continuous nature of divine accounting until death. The scholars conclude that this teaching should inspire both hope in Allah's mercy and fear of His justice, maintaining the believer's spiritual balance.